City approves several ‘provisional’ alcohol licenses

The City of Ellijay approved several alcohol package sales and pouring licenses during its November meeting in a “provisional” sense due to new requirements on background checks.

City Clerk Sharon Spivey told the council she had been communicating with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and reported the rules have been changed for noncriminal histories including alcohol license applications. Whereas applicants have only had to go to the county jail or 911 Center for fingerprinting in the past, now they have to go through a third party for background checks.

Councilman David Westmoreland recommended the council approve provisional licenses.

The council approved the following applicants, provided they pass the new background checks.